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We look forward to welcoming you to our finest historic royal palaces, sharing their extraordinary stories and engaging you in expert professional practice.

— Tracy Borman, Chief Curator of the Historic Royal Palaces

The Open Palace Programmes are unique hands-on experiences for students and emergent professionals behind the scenes in some of the UK's finest palaces and heritage sites, working with and learning from the consummate professionals who care for them.

The Open Palace Programmes will give you a new perspective on heritage specialisms and how they are actually practiced on site.

The Open Palace Programmes are endorsed by key organisations in the UK heritage sector including the Historic Royal Palaces.

Engaging directly with heritage alongside experts in their field, the programme will allow you to build your own knowledge and skills from direct experience at the heart of UK heritage.

The Open Palace Programmes provides a marvellous way of extending your career opportunities. During the programmes you will benefit from careers advice to help you to understand your particular career experience options within the UK heritage sector.

The programmes offers a richness and diversity that few individual placements or internships can compare with.

In 2019 there will be two marvellous programmes to choose from, taking place in England and in Scotland. The itineraries for the English and the Scottish programme are available on this site.

This year we are delighted to have a range of bursaries on offer to support applicants who wish to apply for the programmes. Details can be found under 'How to Apply'.